While Malenia, Blade of Miquella, reigned supreme as Elden Ring‘s most challenging boss for a time, boasting a staggering 329 million player deaths as reported by Kotaku in March 2025, community consensus has shifted. The colossal, multi-phased encounter with the Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, commonly referred to as the “Stars of Ruin” boss fight, frequently cited as one of the most unforgiving in the game, now appears to be widely considered second to a more recent contender.
The current frontrunner for the title of Elden Ring’s hardest boss is overwhelmingly considered to be the colossal Messmer, also known as the “Stars of Ruin,” a gargantuan celestial being found late in the game. Its erratic attack patterns, devastating area-of-effect spells, and relentless aggression make it a true test of patience, skill, and adaptability. This shift in opinion highlights the diverse challenges presented by FromSoftware’s intricate boss designs. The sheer number of Malenia’s defeats underscores her brutal difficulty, but the strategic complexities and sheer unrelenting pressure of the Messmer’s attacks have apparently swayed many veteran players to a different conclusion. The debate, however, remains vigorous among fans, as the game offers a multitude of uniquely difficult encounters.
Factors contributing to the Messmer’s perceived difficulty include its unpredictable attacks, the sheer scale of its arena, and the necessity for precise timing and positioning. Unlike Malenia, whose difficulty can be mitigated with specific strategies, the Messmer demands impeccable reaction time and mastery of the player’s chosen build. This, coupled with the unforgiving nature of its late-game location, firmly cements its place in many players’ minds as the ultimate Elden Ring challenge.
Who is the easiest character to play as in Elden Ring?
Let’s cut the newbie fluff. Elden Ring “easy” is relative. There’s no free lunch.
Samurai: A decent starting point for melee-focused players comfortable with managing stamina. High starting Dexterity makes early-game weapon scaling a breeze, but the reliance on a single stat can cripple you later. You’ll hit a wall if you don’t diversify your build.
Prisoner: A deceptive choice. The initial stats are alluring, but the Prisoner’s strength lies in its adaptability. It’s not a “best of both worlds” – it’s a “jack of all trades, master of none” until you heavily invest in specific stats. This isn’t inherently bad, but beginners often struggle with the resulting resource management.
Prophet: Absolutely not for beginners unless you relish pain and enjoy intricate build crafting. Faith builds are powerful, but mastering their scaling requires a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics and stat allocation. Think of it as a “hardcore” starting point, not an easy one.
Vagabond: The true “easy” mode for a melee player, despite being less explicitly beginner-friendly compared to the Samurai. High Vigor and Strength facilitate tanking damage and wielding heavier weapons in the early game, and it is far easier to adapt to late-game challenges. While the lack of other significant stats might initially feel lacking, it is far easier to rectify than the shortcomings of the Prisoner or Prophet.
Wretch: The ultimate challenge. Purely for masochists or those seeking the most rewarding playthrough. Starting with nothing forces you to learn the game’s systems organically, making the eventual triumphs immensely satisfying, but also incredibly difficult for newcomers.
Ultimately, “easy” boils down to your playstyle and willingness to adapt. Don’t let these suggestions limit your exploration. Experiment and suffer, but learn from every death. That’s how you conquer Elden Ring.
Who is the easiest character to play as in Elden Ring?
Elden Ring’s difficulty is infamous, but some classes ease the initial learning curve. Samurai offers a balanced start with strong early-game weaponry and decent stats, making melee combat relatively straightforward. Their starting katana is exceptionally versatile.
The Prisoner is a strong contender for beginners who want more flexibility. While they lack the immediate power of the Samurai, their stat distribution allows for diverse builds, experimenting with both melee and magic. This adaptability proves valuable as you understand the game’s mechanics better.
The Prophet isn’t the easiest starting class, but it’s perfect for gradually learning the intricacies of faith-based magic. While initially weaker in direct combat, mastering its spells provides a unique and powerful playstyle. It’s a good option for players willing to invest time in understanding spellcasting.
Avoid the Vagabond unless you’re a seasoned Souls veteran. Its focus on heavy armor and strength-based combat, while potentially powerful later, makes early-game survivability significantly harder. It demands a precise understanding of enemy attack patterns and timing. This isn’t ideal for learning the game’s core mechanics.
Who is the main antagonist in Elden Ring?
While the narrative presents multiple antagonistic forces vying for power in the Lands Between, labeling a single entity as the “main” antagonist in Elden Ring is reductive. Radagon and Marika, through their fractured relationship and manipulation, are central to the conflict’s genesis. However, the Godskin Noble, as an optional boss, exemplifies a distinct threat within the game’s overarching narrative. His status as an optional encounter doesn’t diminish his significance; he represents the terrifying consequences of unchecked ambition and the horrifying results of blasphemous pursuit of power, mirroring the themes explored throughout the game. His unique moveset and aggressive fighting style challenge even veteran players, demanding strategic adaptation and precise execution. His lore, intertwined with the Godskin Apostates, offers a glimpse into a specific faction’s desperate attempts to achieve forbidden power, providing a compelling narrative layer independent of the main questline. Ultimately, the game’s strength lies in its multifaceted antagonists and the player’s capacity to engage with them on multiple levels, making the “main” villain a matter of individual interpretation.
Who is stronger: Radahn or Malenia?
Malenia’s first phase offers a breather; Radahn’s a relentless damage sponge. He hits like a truck – ungodly damage – but with maxed defense, he’s manageable. Radahn’s lack of self-healing is offset by his massive HP pool, while Malenia’s healing makes her a marathon fight.
Consider this: Radahn’s attacks are largely telegraphed, allowing for strategic dodges and counter-attacks. Mastering his patterns is key to victory. Malenia, however, relies on unpredictable attacks and her devastating waterfowl dance. Learning to interrupt her healing is crucial, particularly in her second phase. Her Scarlet Rot buildup is also a significant threat, demanding careful management of your health and consumables.
Ultimately, the “stronger” boss depends on your build and playstyle. A tanky build might find Radahn easier, while a more agile, spell-focused build might have better luck against Malenia. Both fights require a high skill ceiling and a deep understanding of your character’s strengths and weaknesses.
What are Malenia’s weaknesses?
Malenia, Blade of Miquella, boasts a formidable moveset, but her core weakness lies in surprisingly poor poise. This isn’t a subtle vulnerability; it’s a significant gameplay mechanic exploit.
Exploiting Malenia’s Poise: Consistent, well-timed attacks are key. Don’t get greedy; focus on landing powerful, poise-damaging hits during her attack animations. Heavier weapons, favored by Strength builds, are particularly effective at staggering her. Successfully interrupting her attacks leaves her wide open for critical hits, drastically reducing the fight’s difficulty.
Weapon & Build Considerations:
- Heavy Weapons: Greatswords, colossal swords, and hammers excel at staggering Malenia. Their high poise damage allows for frequent interruption of her deadly combos.
- Fast Weapons with Good Poise Damage: While heavier weapons are optimal, faster weapons with surprisingly good poise damage (often found in specific weapon arts or with appropriate Ashes of War) can also disrupt her attacks if timed correctly.
- Jump Attacks: These can often catch Malenia off guard and inflict significant poise damage, setting up critical hits.
Strategic Considerations:
- Observe Attack Patterns: Learn her attack animations. Identifying openings is crucial to exploiting her poise weakness.
- Don’t Be Greedy: Landing one or two powerful hits and then retreating to dodge is often better than trying to overwhelm her with a full combo.
- Utilize Spirit Ashes: Distraction is key. Strategic use of spirit ashes can keep Malenia busy, providing you with openings to attack.
Important Note: While poise is her primary weakness, Malenia’s waterfowl dance remains a significant threat. Mastering the timing of your dodges and attacks is essential for victory, even with an effective poise-breaking strategy.
Who is the strongest in Elden Ring?
Alright folks, so you’re asking who’s the toughest boss in Elden Ring? That’s a loaded question, but based on sheer difficulty and player frustration, we can rank them. This isn’t just about raw stats; it’s about fight design, attack patterns, and the overall challenge they present. This is my seasoned gamer take:
Number 8: Commander Niall. Tricky due to his summons and surprisingly aggressive phase transitions. Learn to manage the adds, and his attacks become more predictable.
Number 7: Fire Giant. A huge health pool and those stomp attacks? Brutal. Range is key, and don’t underestimate the staggering potential of certain spells or weapons.
Number 6: Astel, Naturalborn of the Void. This cosmic horror is all about adapting to its unpredictable attacks. Spirit Ashes can be surprisingly helpful here to distract him.
Number 5: Mohg, Lord of Blood. His bloodflame attacks are relentless, and he hits *hard*. Bleed buildup is a real threat, and you’ll need strong defenses and possibly a bleed-resisting build.
Number 4: Godskin Duo. The ultimate test of coordination and patience. One-on-one, they’re manageable, but together? A nightmare. Stagger them individually, and use the environment to your advantage.
Number 3: Malenia, Blade of Miquella. Her waterfowl dance is legendary for its difficulty, and her healing on attack is frustrating. However, with perfect timing and a well-rounded build, you *can* overcome her.
Number 2: Radagon of the Golden Order + Elden Beast. Two fights in one! Radagon is a brutal melee powerhouse, while the Elden Beast is all about ranged attacks and tricky movement. Endurance and strategic item usage are vital here.
Number 1: Malenia, Blade of Miquella. Yes, I know I listed her before. But the sheer combination of her aggressive playstyle, healing, and the infamous waterfowl dance makes her the single hardest boss in the game for most players. Many will tell you this is well deserved.
Who is God in Elden Ring?
The question of who is “God” in Elden Ring is multifaceted and lacks a singular answer. While the four main characters – Godfrey, Rennala, Radagon, and Marika – hold significant power and influence, labelling any of them as *the* God is an oversimplification. PC Gamer’s Jonathan Bolding highlighted an interesting observation: the initials of these major figures all align with those of George R.R. Martin, underscoring Martin’s creative influence on the game’s lore and character design. However, this naming convention is more of a playful easter egg than a definitive theological statement.
The game’s intricate mythology presents a pantheon of Greater Will-aligned figures, each wielding considerable power and influence over the Lands Between. Marika, the Elden Lord, initially appears as the closest to a singular deity, but her fractured nature and the subsequent shattering of the Elden Ring complicate this perception. The concept of divinity itself is fragmented and challenged throughout the game, with players encountering various factions and interpretations of the Greater Will’s influence. The very nature of faith and the power dynamics between the gods are constantly interrogated, leaving the ultimate answer to “who is God?” deliberately ambiguous, encouraging player interpretation and engagement with the rich lore.
Furthermore, the player’s own journey towards becoming the Elden Lord adds another layer of complexity. By repairing or shattering the Elden Ring, the Tarnished essentially assumes a god-like position, questioning the established hierarchy and the very definition of divinity within the game’s narrative. Thus, the answer to the question isn’t about identifying a single god, but rather understanding the complex interplay of power, faith, and the ever-shifting landscape of belief within the Lands Between.
What is the hardest class in Elden Ring?
The Wretch is objectively the weakest starting class, but that’s the point. It’s designed for masochists, for players who want the ultimate Elden Ring challenge. You’re starting with virtually nothing – minimal stats across the board, forcing you to rely entirely on your skill and adaptability. No stat boosts to fall back on means every enemy encounter is a serious threat, demanding careful planning and smart resource management. It’s a completely different experience compared to starting with a pre-buffed class. You’ll truly learn the game’s mechanics and the importance of resource gathering, combat positioning, and build crafting. It’s a rewarding, brutally difficult journey, but one that offers a unique sense of accomplishment when you finally start to overcome the odds.
Essentially, you’re stripping away the training wheels. While other classes give you a head start in specific areas, the Wretch throws you into the deep end immediately. This forces you to experiment more with weapons and builds, fostering a deeper understanding of the game’s systems. Think of it as the ultimate ‘ironman’ mode from other games; a real test of your Elden Ring skills. Many consider it the only true way to truly experience Elden Ring’s difficulty.
How can I avoid killing Melina?
To spare Melina’s life, players must acquire the Three Fingers’ power within the Volcano Manor’s region, specifically the area known as “Prohibition of the Fiery Purge”. This act fundamentally alters Melina’s allegiance. She will renounce the protagonist, vowing to kill them should they become the Lord of the Frenzy Flame. This is presented as her duty, stemming from her initial bestowal of the Rune of Death upon the Tarnished. This pivotal choice prevents her self-sacrifice in the Forge of the Giants.
Strategic Implications: This path significantly impacts the endgame. Choosing to gain the Three Fingers’ power offers a different ending route, entirely bypassing the typical narrative trajectory. This means access to a distinct set of final boss encounters and overall game conclusion. For those seeking completionist achievements or a deeper exploration of the narrative’s branching paths, understanding this mechanic is crucial.
Understanding Melina’s Role: Melina’s actions are rooted in her unique position within the game’s lore. She is not merely a companion; she’s an embodiment of a powerful, ancient force. Her vow to eliminate the Lord of the Frenzy Flame showcases her unwavering commitment to her own role in maintaining a delicate balance within the Elden Ring’s complex power structure.
- Avoiding the Lord of Frenzy Flame Ending: Obtaining the Three Fingers’ power is effectively a means of avoiding a specific, highly destructive endgame.
- Alternative Endgame Scenarios: This choice opens the path to several other endings, providing players with a broader range of choices and consequences.
- Moral Implications: It’s important to consider the ethical implications of accepting the Three Fingers’ power and the subsequent consequences for Melina and the wider game world.
In short: The acquisition of the Three Fingers’ power in the “Prohibition of the Fiery Purge” area isn’t simply a side quest; it’s a game-altering decision that fundamentally changes the player’s relationship with Melina and drastically alters the Elden Ring’s ending.
How many endings does Elden Ring have?
Elden Ring boasts six distinct endings: Age of Fracture, Age of Order, Age of Duskborn, Age of Despair, Lord of Frenzied Flame, and Age of Stars. Getting all of them requires multiple playthroughs and careful choices regarding questlines and item acquisition. The Age of Stars ending, for example, requires completing Ranni’s questline flawlessly, while the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is accessed via a hidden boss fight and a specific item. Choosing your allegiance to different factions, like the Volcano Manor or the Carian Royal Family, significantly alters the available endings. The key difference lies not just in the cinematic cutscenes but also in the subtle alterations to the ending’s narrative and the overall state of the Lands Between, influencing the post-game environment. Don’t expect a simple good/evil dichotomy; each ending presents a unique philosophical and narrative outcome reflecting the player’s journey. Think of it as replaying the game to unlock a new story, not just an alternate ending screen.
Who is easier to play Elden Ring with?
Easiest class to start with in Elden Ring? Hands down, the Prisoner. This build leans heavily into the battlemage archetype, giving you a strong foundation in both melee and magic early on. It’s got a great stat spread that lets you experiment and build into whatever playstyle you prefer.
Why not Wretch? The Wretch is a popular choice for masochists… I mean, hardcore players seeking a brutal challenge. It starts with incredibly low stats across the board, forcing you to rely on item discovery and smart resource management. It’s definitely NOT the class for new players or those looking for a smoother experience.
Here’s the Prisoner breakdown:
- High Dexterity and Faith: Allows for early access to powerful incantations and fast weapon attacks.
- Decent Mind: Enough FP to actually use your spells without constantly running out.
- Good Vigor: Enables you to survive a few hits, crucial for beginners learning boss patterns.
- Starting Equipment: A solid sword, a useful starting spell, and decent armor. A good foundation to build upon.
Why avoid the Wretch?
- Extremely low starting stats in all areas.
- Requires significant early-game grinding and careful resource management.
- Steeper learning curve, leading to frustrating deaths, especially for new Souls-like players.
So, if you’re looking for a less punishing introduction to the Lands Between, the Prisoner is your go-to class. But if you’re hungry for a real challenge… well, the Wretch is waiting for you.
Is it possible to not kill Radahn?
Nope, you gotta take down Radahn. He’s a mandatory boss; you absolutely need to beat him to access Nokron, Eternal City, and the Crumbling Farum Azula. Think of it as a key to some seriously awesome areas. After the dust settles, you can snag Radahn’s iconic spear and armor set from Enia. They’re both top-tier, so it’s well worth the effort. Radahn’s fight itself is legendary, a massive spectacle involving a colossal battlefield, summoning your allies, and a truly epic boss battle. Prepare for a challenge, but the rewards are substantial, including some really sweet Spirit Ashes you can pick up along the way. Don’t forget to explore the area after the fight – there’s plenty of loot hidden around!
Why is Radan Mikella’s consort?
Radahn, the Starscourge, right? Massive dude, ridiculously strong. He died during the festival, a total wipeout. But here’s the kicker: they resurrected him, using the divine bridge ritual, in Mohg’s, the Lord of Blood’s, body. Think of it like a really messed-up body swap, but with way more cosmic horror involved. The goal? Announcing the arrival of a new god – Miquella, the Unalloyed. And Radahn? He’s now Miquella’s consort, basically a divine husband. It’s a bizarre, incredibly convoluted plot point, but a pretty crucial one in understanding the Elden Ring lore. There’s a lot of speculation about whether Mohg’s influence plays a role in Radahn’s allegiance, given Mohg’s obsession with Miquella and the general weirdness of the whole situation. Seriously, it’s worth exploring all the item descriptions and lore snippets related to both Radahn and Miquella to piece together the full story. The whole thing is heavily implied, not explicitly stated, so expect to do some digging. This isn’t your typical ‘chosen undead’ story – this is next-level cosmic weirdness.
Why can’t I reach Radahn?
Radahn’s Festival is gated behind story progression. Access is granted upon reaching a Site of Grace in Altus Plateau or after pledging allegiance to Rennala, the second encounter. This design choice serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it ensures players have gained sufficient experience and leveled up appropriately to tackle Radahn’s formidable challenge. His boss fight is notoriously difficult, requiring skillful combat and potentially well-coordinated summons, hence the level gating. Secondly, it integrates Radahn’s festival into the narrative flow, making his appearance a significant milestone in the player’s journey through the Lands Between. Reaching Altus Plateau indicates significant progress, hinting at the player’s growing power and readiness. Alternatively, completing Rennala’s questline provides an alternative path, showcasing the game’s branching narrative structure and rewarding exploration of different storylines. The dual triggering mechanism allows for replayability and caters to diverse playstyles, offering flexibility without compromising the overall difficulty curve associated with Radahn’s battle.
